Integrated water and sanitation development in the Bogo Bogo slum– Mombasa

In Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city, slums have existed since the earliest development of the town itself. Today, approximately 50 such neighbourhoods lacking urban utilities and adequate public services can be found across the city, where around 65% of the population is compelled to live.

Bogo Bogo is a relatively young informal settlement located in the Jomvu district of Mombasa. The district has a total population of approximately 23,000 people, the majority of whom live in slums. Living standards in Bogo Bogo are extremely low, and residents face numerous challenges in their daily lives. From an economic perspective, Bogo Bogo struggles with high levels of poverty and unemployment. Limited employment opportunities and low wages make it difficult for residents to break out of the cycle of poverty and improve their economic situation.

In these areas, insecurity and crime represent persistent problems, as the lack of adequate lighting and the overcrowded living conditions expose residents to theft and violence. The densely packed shacks do not provide adequate protection for their inhabitants and lack all forms of basic utilities. Within the settlement, essential services such as clean water, sanitation and electricity are only available to a very limited extent. As a consequence, public hygiene conditions are extremely poor, posing a significant health risk to the community.